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During December I watched it snow, rain, snow again (and again), I waited for Santa, I spent a lot of time with family and friends and I was gifted an awesome wine fridge
I also drank a lot of wine.
I know it’s not shocking to hear that a wine writer enjoys drinking wine. Some of it I do for fun, some for educational purposes and some to help you, my reader, to know what to look for when navigating the wine aisle.
Each week I review and recommend a wine for my Where the Wine is Weekly newsletter subscribers. Here are the wines I reviewed in December!
The most recent vintage of Coiled Wines Dry Riesling is one of the best to date. Made by winemaker (and Riesling advocate) Leslie Preston, the 2015 release is 13% alcohol by volume and is priced at $17.00.
Appearance: Medium straw yellow.
Aroma: Stone fruits of peach and nectarine, floral rose and honeysuckle with herbaceous tarragon and clove.
Palate: Fruity and crisp with tart acidity.
Finish: Moderately lengthy finish with lingering herbal notes.
Rating: Outstanding! A-
The 2014 Laser Fox Cinsault by Split Rail Winery won a Gold medal at the 2016 Idaho Wine Competition. Made by winemaker Jed Glavin, the wine has been aged in a cement tank and is 14.3% alcohol by volume and priced at $24.00.
Appearance: Light Ruby.
Aroma: Peppery, dark cherry, leather tannery, hint of minerality.
Palate: Refreshing with light tannins and acidity with a touch of chalkiness.
Finish: Medium length with some lingering spice.
Rating: Outstanding! A-
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Boushey Vineyards by Telaya Wine Co. Made by winemaker Earl Sullivan, this wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes sourced from Yakima Valley, Washington. Back in September when I attended the Idaho Wine Industry Boot Camp, Earl told the group he has turned to Washington for fruit, both out of necessity and also because you can’t beat it for Cab. If this wine is any indication, that statement is deliciously true! This wine is 14.3% alcohol by volume and priced at $35.00.
Appearance: Dark garnet.
Aromas and Flavors: Red fruits of cherry and currant with red bell pepper and toffee!
Palate: Medium acidity, striking tannins.
Finish: Long-lasting with a peppery finish.
Rating: Excellent! B+
The Ambassador by Potter Wines (2012). I think eyebrows will be raised when word gets out that this blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache was aged in French oak for four years. The oak is apparent but not overwhelming, and the outcome is fruity and spicy. Made with fruit sourced from Horse Heaven Hills in Washington by winemaker Von Potter, this wine is 14% abv and priced at $28.00.
Appearance: Medium ruby.
Aromas and Flavors: Floral notes with raspberry, red cherry and black peppercorn.
Palate: Notable oak. Medium acidity and medium to high tannins.
Finish: Moderate finish with lingering sour cherry and spice.
Rating: Great! B
I encourage everyone to try these wines. Buy direct from the winery or ask for them at your nearest wine shop!
See these and upcoming wines first by joining the mailing list!
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